LONDON – Bandmates say rock guitarist Gary Moore, a former member of influential Irish band Thin Lizzy, has died. He was 58.
Manager Adam Parsons told the BBC that Moore was found dead Sunday at a hotel on Spain’s Costa del Sol, where he was on holiday. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey said Moore’s death was a “total shock,” and guitarist Scott Gorham said he was “a great player and a great guy.”
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1952, Moore was a member of Dublin band Skid Row before joining Thin Lizzy in 1973, playing on tracks for the “Nightlife” album. He left after four months, but rejoined four years later and played on the band’s “Black Rose” album before going solo once again.
He had a successful solo career, and his accomplished, bluesy playing won plaudits from other musicians.
Thin Lizzy had global hits in the 1970s with songs like “The Boys are Back in Town” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” Frontman Phil Lynott died in 1986, but with a different lineup the band continues to tour today.
The Sun newspaper is reporting this morning that guitarist Gary Moore died after choking on his own vomit following a heavy drinking session.
Moore was holidaying in Spain’s Costa Del Sol. His body was discovered in his hotel room just before 4am on Sunday, February 6, by his girlfriend.
According to The Sun, medics found Moore lying lifeless on his back wearing just his underpants.
An ambulance source said: “We believe the deceased had been drinking heavily.”
Moore died hours after checking into the Kempinski Hotel at Estepona.
A hotel source said: “They [Moore and his girlfriend] were going to eat at the restaurant but it was closed so they had a sandwich at the bar with a bottle of champagne. They went for a stroll then back to the bar where Gary had brandies. He seemed fine when he left around 11pm.”
